Mulching - The Secret To A Great Garden

Seeing a well-tended garden brings the feeling of feeling refreshed. The green grass and bright flowers help to create this feeling. In order to achieve that green look, there is much work required. Providing your garden with a mulching compound is one of the best ways to help your garden to look healthy and green.

Mulches are a layer of protective material that is placed around your plants and shrubs. They can be organic mulches or inorganic mulches. As the gardener you must choose which type of mulching will suit your garden.

Organic mulches are made of plant matter. They're similar to the pine needles and leaves that fall to the ground and protect in forests. They decompose over time; the decomposed mulch serves to keep soil moist and plant roots cool, and keep nutrients in.

Examples of organic mulching include: straw, pine straw, shredded leaves, bark, wood chips, sawdust and newspaper. Each of these types have different characteristics which you should consider when including them in your garden.

Leaves, bark, sawdust, straw and wood chips can be washed away by heavy rain, can take nitrogen of the soil, and can let weeds grow in them. Bark chips and wood, although they can cause these problems, can give an attractive look to the garden.

If you opt for an organic type, opt for pine straw and newspaper mulching. Newspaper mulching tends to work best- they suppress weeds. Pine straw mulching works like the natural fallen pine needles in that they decompose slowly. They also are resistant to washing away, and are more likely to keep nutrients in the soil.

Examples of inorganic mulches include crushed stone, gravel and volcanic rock. They have a tendency to work their way into the soil. These types are somewhat permanent; you will need to do digging to get them removed.

Vegetable plots may also use plastic mulching. Typically irrigation paths are laid on the ground, under the plastic mulching. This design will keep the soil moist and plants well hydrated. If you want water to go into your vegetable plot, you can cut holes in the plastic mulching to allow it to go through.

There is also a type of mulch called geotextiles; it is a fabric mulch made from polypropylene or polyester. This is likely the best type of inorganic mulching to put in your garden; the close woven mulching allows water and fertilizer through, but keeps out the growth of weeds.

Consider placing a mulching compound in your garden for healthier plants. Keep an eye on the weeds that will sneak in; over time this should decrease.

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